Easy Feeder Automation

Easy Feeder Automation

Combine the rapid deployment of a distributed solution with the power and reliability of a dynamic, model–driven approach. Centrix is flexible, scalable, easy to configure, and cost-effective to implement.

Easy Feeder Automation

Combine the rapid deployment of a distributed solution with the power and reliability of a dynamic, model–driven approach. Centrix is flexible, scalable, easy to configure, and cost-effective to implement.

Easy Feeder Automation

Combine the rapid deployment of a distributed solution with the power and reliability of a dynamic, model–driven approach. CENTRIX is flexible, scalable, easy to configure, and cost-effective to implement.

Integrate and manage distributed energy resources from the substations and feeders they impact

Report status and information back to your centralized SCADA or DMS

Centrix uses a new, advanced approach to Distribution Automation at the feeder level. This innovative approach makes Centrix a powerful Smart Grid automation foundation to support many companion applications. Minsait ACS has taken the functionality and capability of our model–driven advanced DMS applications and developed a stand-alone system that is easier to configure and deploy. The cost of a Centrix installation is comparable to that of a peer–to–peer distributed approach, without requiring vendor-specific hardware.

Because Centrix is a model–based solution, it supports multiple automation applications—including Loss CVR, Interactive Volt/VAR Control and FDIR—without the complexity normally associated with creating the model. Centrix models are easy to build, using pre–defined feeder topology templates.

Integrate and manage distributed energy resources from the substations and feeders they impact

Report status and information back to your centralized SCADA or DMS

Centrix uses a new, advanced approach to Distribution Automation at the feeder level. This innovative approach makes Centrix a powerful Smart Grid automation foundation to support many companion applications. Minsait ACS has taken the functionality and capability of our model–driven advanced DMS applications and developed a stand-alone system that is easier to configure and deploy. The cost of a Centrix installation is comparable to that of a peer–to–peer distributed approach, without requiring vendor-specific hardware.

Because Centrix is a model–based solution, it supports multiple automation applications—including Loss CVR, Interactive Volt/VAR Control and FDIR—without the complexity normally associated with creating the model. Centrix models are easy to build, using pre–defined feeder topology templates.

Why is Centrix for you?

Field-Proven Technology

Centrix is a field–proven solution for self-healing feeder automation, based on our advanced Fault Detection Isolation and Restoration (FDIR) application.

Our FDIR product was first installed in 1998 and has been successful worldwide in reducing feeder outage restoration time from over 1 hour to less than 20 seconds.

Robust Features

Centrix is configured to autonomously isolate faults and restore service to un-faulted sections without operator intervention.

It quickly isolates faults and restores power both upstream and downstream, analyzing switching options and choosing the one that maximizes the restored load. The system adapts immediately to changes in the network topology, even if the network is in an abnormal state. This means that optimum restoration solutions are always within reach. Moreover, Centrix easily accommodates the switches and protection schemes you already have in place. Other features include:

Disables automation following a loss of communications, but only to the affected device or feeder

Six definable device-level flags for disabling automation on active islands

Substation dead-bus detection

Two-way SCADA/DMS interface

Sequence–of–events logging

Secure remote access services

Response to multiple faults (schemes are independent of each other and can operate simultaneously)

Return-to-Normal function

Control center HMI

Quick and Easy Deployment

Centrix has the ability to model and automate very complex network topologies.

It greatly simplifies this process by using pre-defined automation “island” topologies, allowing you to de-activate non-existing switches and configure existing switches as needed. The network model is then populated with a form–driven application, which defines all of the variables, load limits/current limits, voltage levels, device types, etc. This creates a run–time model that is loaded into Centrix for field operation.

Centrix does not require a three-phase distribution load flow model; it determines the load transfer capability and requirements based on measured data. The Topology Processor enables the system to handle multiple fault conditions or abnormal network configurations.

ACS creates interface profiles for each controller or device in order to seamlessly interface to legacy equipment—meaning in many cases no additional feeder automation equipment is needed. In some cases, you can retrofit lower cost switch units with a motor and automate existing switches using the ACS NTX-20 Switch Controller and D060 A/C Input Module. This remotely automates the switching device, and also provides the required three–phase measurements, such as fault flag, fault direction and three-phase P & Q, to perform the self–healing function. This allows you to decrease your cost by using more economical devices and leveraging existing installed devices. Centrix can be configured to operate with an array of controllers and IEDs, including popular models from SEL, S&C, Nulec, Cooper, ABB and more.

Centrix also operates without interfering with the existing protection schemes. When a fault is detected, Centrix waits until the recloser or relay issues a “lock out flag” and the switch opens before commencing with isolation and restoration actions.

Unlimited Expansion

The Centrix network model is expandable without limitation.

Most self-healing feeder products (particularly distributed solutions) are limited in their complexity and expansion capabilities. The largest operating network model in service with the FDIR application that drives Centrix includes over 1,000 feeders.

Adapts to Network Changes

Unique to this approach of an easily–configurable solution is the ability to adapt to different network topologies, including abnormal network conditions.

Unlike rules-based decentralized solutions, Centrix adapts to the actual network state that is calculated in real-time by a topology processor application. Centrix does not require a predefined system topology in order to operate. As a result, changes to the network topology due to switching or protective device operation do not inhibit Centrix from determining an optimum solution. All switching solutions are derived from the current topology. Since all switching devices, including manual switches, are modeled, the “operation” of these switches at the control center interface can be reflected in the new feeder topology calculation. It is also not necessary to alter the program logic for expansion, since it will adapt to any configuration.

Optimizes asset utilization

Centrix provides an optimum solution that makes the most effective use of existing equipment as well as its own infrastructure.

Centrix supports other applications, adapts to abnormal network situations, and provides optimum control of conflicting devices such as capacitor control and voltage regulation, helping to further justify the investment in a feeder automation platform.

Built-in Safety

Centrix supports many failsafe modes for safety reasons. The system supports the option for disarming itself if certain parameters are detected to be in an abnormal condition. Failsafe functions supported by Centrix include:

Hot Line Tag (HLT) applied

Supervisory control off

Reclosing disabled

Manual operation in the field

Failure of device to operate

Loss of communications – feeder specific

Under frequency target

Plus six additional user-definable conditions

Why is CENTRIX for you?

Field-Proven Technology

Centrix is a field–proven solution for self-healing feeder automation, based on our advanced Fault Detection Isolation and Restoration (FDIR) application.

Our FDIR product was first installed in 1998 and has been successful worldwide in reducing feeder outage restoration time from over 1 hour to less than 20 seconds.

Robust Features

Centrix is configured to autonomously isolate faults and restore service to un-faulted sections without operator intervention.

It quickly isolates faults and restores power both upstream and downstream, analyzing switching options and choosing the one that maximizes the restored load. The system adapts immediately to changes in the network topology, even if the network is in an abnormal state. This means that optimum restoration solutions are always within reach. Moreover, Centrix easily accommodates the switches and protection schemes you already have in place. Other features include:

Disables automation following a loss of communications, but only to the affected device or feeder

Six definable device-level flags for disabling automation on active islands

Substation dead-bus detection

Two-way SCADA/DMS interface

Sequence–of–events logging

Secure remote access services

Response to multiple faults (schemes are independent of each other and can operate simultaneously)

Return-to-Normal function

Control center HMI

Quick and Easy Deployment

Centrix has the ability to model and automate very complex network topologies.

It greatly simplifies this process by using pre-defined automation “island” topologies, allowing you to de-activate non-existing switches and configure existing switches as needed. The network model is then populated with a form–driven application, which defines all of the variables, load limits/current limits, voltage levels, device types, etc. This creates a run–time model that is loaded into Centrix for field operation.

Centrix does not require a three-phase distribution load flow model; it determines the load transfer capability and requirements based on measured data. The Topology Processor enables the system to handle multiple fault conditions or abnormal network configurations.

ACS creates interface profiles for each controller or device in order to seamlessly interface to legacy equipment—meaning in many cases no additional feeder automation equipment is needed. In some cases, you can retrofit lower cost switch units with a motor and automate existing switches using the ACS NTX-20 Switch Controller and D060 A/C Input Module. This remotely automates the switching device, and also provides the required three–phase measurements, such as fault flag, fault direction and three-phase P & Q, to perform the self–healing function. This allows you to decrease your cost by using more economical devices and leveraging existing installed devices. Centrix can be configured to operate with an array of controllers and IEDs, including popular models from SEL, S&C, Nulec, Cooper, ABB and more.

Centrix also operates without interfering with the existing protection schemes. When a fault is detected, Centrix waits until the recloser or relay issues a “lock out flag” and the switch opens before commencing with isolation and restoration actions.

Unlimited Expansion

The Centrix network model is expandable without limitation.

Most self-healing feeder products (particularly distributed solutions) are limited in their complexity and expansion capabilities. The largest operating network model in service with the FDIR application that drives Centrix includes over 1,000 feeders.

Adapts to Network Changes

Unique to this approach of an easily–configurable solution is the ability to adapt to different network topologies, including abnormal network conditions.

Unlike rules-based decentralized solutions, Centrix adapts to the actual network state that is calculated in real-time by a topology processor application. Centrix does not require a predefined system topology in order to operate. As a result, changes to the network topology due to switching or protective device operation do not inhibit Centrix from determining an optimum solution. All switching solutions are derived from the current topology. Since all switching devices, including manual switches, are modeled, the “operation” of these switches at the control center interface can be reflected in the new feeder topology calculation. It is also not necessary to alter the program logic for expansion, since it will adapt to any configuration.

Optimizes Asset Utilization

Centrix provides an optimum solution that makes the most effective use of existing equipment as well as its own infrastructure.

Centrix supports other applications, adapts to abnormal network situations, and provides optimum control of conflicting devices such as capacitor control and voltage regulation, helping to further justify the investment in a feeder automation platform.

Built-in Safety

Centrix supports many failsafe modes for safety reasons. The system supports the option for disarming itself if certain parameters are detected to be in an abnormal condition. Failsafe functions supported by Centrix include: